The Florida Department of Health has confirmed four cases of salmonellosis, linked to Foster Farms chicken. Three cases reside in Miami-Dade County and the fourth case was reported in Brevard County. The Department is working together with the CDC and USDA in the ongoing investigation.

“Individuals who have eaten the suspect chicken and experience symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps should seek medical attention,” said Dr. Anna Marie Likos, Division of Disease Control and Health Protection Director. “The Department will continue to monitor the situation and inform the public as new information becomes available.”

NBC reported "nearly 300 people in 18 states have been sickened since about July by an outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg traced to raw chicken from three sites run by the private California poultry producer."

Consumer Reports reported has learned that the United States Department of Agriculture has issued safety concern letters (Notice of Intended Enforcement) to three Foster Farms raw chicken-processing plants associated with the current and major foodborne illness outbreak. As a result, Consumer Reports is expanding its advice to consumers and urges them to avoid ANY raw chicken product produced by any of these three plants. Chickens processed at these plants may be sold under a variety of different brand and co-brand names including (but not necessarily limited to): Ralph's, Safeway Farms, Simple Truth Organic, O Organics, Eating Right, Kirkland Signature and Open Nature.

Consumers who are buying chicken should simply avoid ANY brand sold with the following plant numbers: P-6137, P-6137A and P-7632. Consumers should check for the plant number on the packaging, often found on or underneath the label.

Salmonellosis is an infection with Salmonella, a group of bacteria that can cause illness in humans. Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. Salmonella infections usually resolve in 5-7 days and often do not require treatment other than oral fluids. Persons with severe diarrhea may require rehydration with intravenous fluids. Antibiotics are not usually necessary unless the infection spreads outside of the intestines.

What can I do to prevent salmonellosis?

Cook poultry, meats (including ground meats) and eggs thoroughly. Using a meat thermometer is the only way to be sure you have cooked meat to a proper temperature.

Do not eat or drink foods containing raw eggs or raw (unpasteurized) milk.

If you are served undercooked meat, poultry or eggs in a restaurant, don't hesitate to send it back to the kitchen for further cooking.

Wash hands, kitchen work surfaces and utensils with soap and water immediately after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry. Use one cutting board for raw animal proteins and another for other foods to avoid cross-contamination.

Be particularly careful with foods prepared for infants, elderly, and immunocompromised.

Wash hands with soap and water after handling reptiles, birds, or baby chicks and after contact with other pets or pet feces. o Avoid direct or indirect contact between reptiles (turtles, iguanas, other lizards, snakes) and infants or immunocompromised individuals.

Do not work with raw poultry or meat and handle an infant (e.g., feed, change diaper) at the same time

A U.S. Department of Agriculture letter to Foster Farms highlights a series of food safety violations that may have led to the recent outbreak of salmonella that has sickened nearly 300 people across the nation.

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